Virginia Court System Overview

Mr. Burns provides a detailed overview of the Virginia court system, explaining the roles and jurisdictions of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Circuit Court, General District Court, and Juvenile Court. He discusses the election and terms of judges, the types of cases each court handles, and offers memory aids to help students remember the court hierarchy. The video is designed to complement a lesson document and includes instructions for accessing and using the video effectively.

Who elects the judges in the Virginia Court System?

• The General Assembly

• The Governor

• The President

• The Supreme Court

What is the term length for judges in the Virginia Supreme Court?

• 12 years

• 8 years

• 6 years

• 4 years

What type of jurisdiction does the Virginia Supreme Court have?

• Appellate only

• None

• Original only

• Both original and appellate

How many judges typically make up a panel in the Virginia Court of Appeals?

• One

• Three

• Seven

• Five

What type of cases does the Virginia Court of Appeals handle?

• Appellate cases

• Traffic violations

• Original cases

• Family disputes

Where are felony cases primarily heard in Virginia?

• Juvenile Court

• Circuit Court

• Supreme Court

• General District Court

What is the monetary threshold for civil cases in the Virginia Circuit Court?

• $5,000

• $10,000

• $25,000

• $50,000

Which court handles misdemeanors and minor crimes in Virginia?

• Court of Appeals

• Circuit Court

• General District Court

• Supreme Court

What type of jurisdiction does the General District Court have?

• None

• Original only

• Appellate only

• Both original and appellate

At what age can juveniles be tried as adults in the Virginia Circuit Court?

• 12 years

• 18 years

• 14 years

• 16 years